How Districts Can Fund High-Quality Tutoring After ESSER Money Expires

Last updated: February 24, 2026

As federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds dry up, districts are left wondering how to continue funding high-quality tutoring programs that have become essential for student success. Fortunately, there are alternative funding streams available, including government, state, local, and nonprofit sources.

TL;DR

Districts are seeking alternative funding for high-quality tutoring programs as ESSER funds expire.
Federal funding streams, such as ESEA Title I and II, can support tutoring.
States and local governments are allocating funds for tutoring initiatives.
Higher education partnerships and philanthropic support can also contribute to tutoring programs.

Federal Funding Opportunities

Despite the expiration of ESSER funds, Congress has passed a spending package that sustains many federal funding streams for education. School districts can utilize Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title I, Part A funds to support schoolwide or targeted tutoring programs. Additionally, ESEA Title II, Part A funds can be used to train staff as tutors and provide stipends for those taking on this responsibility.

As ESSER funds expire, districts must find alternative funding for high-quality tutoring programs. Learn how federal, state, local, and nonprofit sources can support tutoring initiatives. Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

State and Local Funding Initiatives

States are playing a crucial role in sustaining and scaling tutoring programs by using funding formulas, policy mandates, and infrastructure supports. Louisiana, for example, has allocated $30 million for K-5 tutoring in 2024-25 and another $30 million in 2025-26. Other states, like Tennessee, have embedded tutoring into their K-12 funding formula, providing an additional $500 per fourth-grader each year for literacy tutoring.

Author Quote "

Tara Moon: ‘Districts can utilize ESEA Title I, Part A funds to support schoolwide or targeted tutoring programs.’

Not applicable - no significant bias identified

Higher Education Partnerships and Philanthropic Support

Colleges and universities can serve as a source of low-cost tutors, with programs like federal work-study helping to pay part-time salaries for college students who tutor in K-12 schools. Furthermore, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations, such as the Partnership for Student Success, offer free implementation support and connect districts with vetted providers of staffing, training, and financial assistance for tutors.

Key Takeaways:

Federal Funding: ESEA Title I, Part A funds and ESEA Title II, Part A funds can support tutoring programs.
State and Local Initiatives: States like Louisiana and Tennessee are allocating funds for tutoring programs.
Higher Education Partnerships: Colleges and universities can provide low-cost tutors through programs like federal work-study.

Looking Ahead: Blending and Braiding Funding Streams

To ensure the continuation of high-quality tutoring programs, districts must explore and combine various funding streams. By leveraging federal, state, local, and nonprofit sources, schools can create a sustainable and effective tutoring system that benefits all students, regardless of their background or socio-economic status.

In conclusion, while the expiration of ESSER funds presents a challenge, it also offers an opportunity for districts to explore innovative and sustainable funding solutions. By leveraging federal, state, local, and nonprofit sources, schools can create a comprehensive tutoring system that supports the academic success and personal growth of all students. Learn more about how Learning Success can help your district develop a high-quality tutoring program.